Zhuzihu

Zhuzihu is located in the core area of Yangmingshan National Park, at an elevation of approximately 650-670 meters. It is bordered by Mt. Siaoguanyin to the north, Mt. Qixing to the east, Mt. Datun to the west, and opens up to the south with an unobstructed view of the Taipei Basin. It was originally a 'barrier lake' formed by a volcanic eruption 350,000 years ago. Due to erosion, a breach occurred, and the lake water gradually drained, forming a depression. Since ancient times, it has been divided into three distinct areas: Donghu (East Lake), Dinghu (Top Lake), and Siahu (Bottom Lake). Donghu refers to the area around Hutian Elementary School, which is the origin of the name Zhuzihu. Dinghu refers to a small basin of approximately 20 hectares, located after crossing Hutian Bridge and continuing along the right-hand industrial road. It is named Dinghu because it is situated at a higher elevation above Donghu. Siahu refers to the basin around what is now Calla Lily Avenue, through which the Zhuzihu Stream flows. It is named Siahu because it is located at a relatively lower elevation compared to Donghu. The origin of the name Zhuzihu: Zhuzihu was originally a barrier lake formed by a volcanic lava eruption. As the lake water gradually receded, it became a wetland. Over a thousand years ago, the Ketagalan tribe of the Pingpu people began to settle and cultivate the land. Two hundred years ago, when Han Chinese first arrived to cultivate the area, they saw muddy land and abundant bamboo forests, so they named it Zhuzihu (in Hokkien, 'hu' (湖) can mean muddy land). Another ancient local legend states that the mountainous basin area was once densely covered with arrow bamboo forests. The sight of mountain winds blowing down from the peaks and swaying the arrow bamboo resembled the rippling of lake water, hence the name Zhuzihu. Zhuzihu Calla Lily Festival: Calla lilies are native to South Africa. Because their spathes, when in full bloom, resemble an inverted horseshoe, and the plants grow in water like lotuses, they are also known as 'Arum lilies' or 'Calla lilies'. Currently, the total cultivation area for calla lilies in Zhuzihu is approximately 13 hectares, accounting for over 80% of Taiwan's total calla lily production. The calla lily season runs from January to May each year, with peak blooming occurring from March to April. Zhuzihu's calla lilies are predominantly white. The elegant white part, known as the 'spathe', is not the actual flower. The true flowers are tiny, inconspicuous florets densely packed on the central yellow spadix within the spathe, with male and female parts neatly separated. Zhuzihu Hydrangeas: As late May approaches, the romantic white calla lily fields gradually draw to a close, followed by the blooming of purple-blue hydrangeas during the Dragon Boat Festival long weekend. The Zhuzihu area cultivates approximately 7 to 8 varieties of hydrangeas, offering a diverse range of colors including pure white, pink with red edges, pink, magenta, light blue, and blue. Both large and medium-sized flower clusters are distributed throughout the farms, and their vibrant colors and rich layers enhance the ever-changing charm of the hydrangeas, making them perfect for commemorative photos.